Pets welcome at Camden’s hostels for people sleeping rough
Camden’s Council’s rough sleeping hostels are welcoming pets off the streets and into temporary accommodation with their owners.
Partnered with national animal charity StreetVet, the three hostels in Kings Cross, Kentish Town, and Camden Town are officially accredited and equipped to be pet inclusive.
The hostels provide people with a temporary place to stay while they are being supported to re-build their lives away from the streets and into longer-term accommodation.
Dogs, cats, a ferret, and a bearded dragon have already resided in the hostels which are set up with pet-friendly rooms and through the StreetVet accredited Hostel Scheme, the pets are provided with food, beds, and toys for animals.
The animals receive free veterinary checks and treatment, and staff receive training on how best to accommodate them – making it a welcoming and safe environment for those with or without pets.
It comes as pets are identified as a common barrier to people accessing temporary accommodation, as highlighted in Camden’s latest Rough Sleeping Strategy.
StreetVet also supports people any registered pets when they move into longer-term accommodation with their owners, including getting set up in their new home, and help with veterinary treatment and pet food.
“No one should have to choose between keeping their pet or getting a roof over their head. We’re committed to ensuring our rough sleeping services and hostels are inclusive for everyone, so more people can be supported into living independently and safely off the streets.
“We know how much pets mean to their owners, particularly for those who may be isolated or experiencing homelessness, so I’m delighted to see this partnership as part of our ongoing work to reduce rough sleeping in Camden.”
Laura Sayer, Hostel Manager at StreetVet, said: "We are proud to welcome Camden Council as the first London local authority to join the StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme. This milestone highlights Camden Council's commitment to championing pet‑inclusive temporary accommodation for those experiencing homelessness with their pet, and sets new benchmarks for homelessness services in the capital.
“Our hostel and day centre scheme provides wraparound support for both staff and pet owners. Everything from pet‑inclusive policies and staff training to free accessible veterinary care, food, daily pet essentials, behaviour support and pet boarding options when needed. By working together, we can help reduce homelessness by enabling more people to stay together with their beloved companions when they need support the most."